Key United role for Macheda

20 July 2009 05:30

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Michael Owen and Federico Macheda can forge an excellent striking partnership this season.
The veteran Scot has been criticised for not replacing Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez this summer, but believes the England international and Italian teenager can save him a lot of money.
Both players were on the scoresheet as United beat a Malaysia XI 2-0 in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, after which Ferguson said: "I'm pleased that Macheda and Owen have struck up a good partnership.
"We have big hopes for Macheda. He's one of the reasons why we didn't go into the market. He's strong, athletic and a good finisher.
"He played his part last season but he's just a young lad learning his game.
"It was a typical Michael Owen goal. He reacted first as he did the other night, his whole contribution was very good."